When Grammy-nominated act Chloe x Halle was announced as this year's Devilpalooza headliner, tweets and Instagram comments from ASU students flooded the internet, and for good reason. Chloe x Halle continue to make a name for themselves in the music industry by breaking records and garnering attention for their amazing artistry and talent.
READ MORE: Devilpalooza to feature Chloe x Halle, be held in person and online
Sister duo Chloe Bailey and Halle Bailey started off as actresses and eventually made their way into the music scene by posting YouTube covers. Chloe x Halle got their big break after their cover of "Pretty Hurts" by Beyoncé went viral and Beyoncé herself saw it. The pair was signed to Beyoncé's management company, Parkwood Entertainment, in 2015, and since then, the sisters haven't stopped working.
Their latest release, "Ungodly Hour," has been listed on "best albums of 2020" lists by Time, Vulture, NPR and Pitchfork, among other publications.
So, for those of you who may be unfamiliar with Chloe x Halle or for the diehard stans out there, here is a compilation of some of the duo's best songs to check out before the concert this Friday.
1. 'Do It'
As the second single off of "Ungodly Hour," this silky smooth and airy R&B track is the best introduction to Chloe x Halle. It peaked at No. 16 on the Billboard 200 chart for six weeks and at No. 63 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for 11 weeks. But these records are an understatement of the caliber of this song as it perfectly fits any mood with its lighthearted message of just having fun while out on the town with your besties — not having a single care in the world. This is best exemplified through the chorus's repetition of "that's just how we do it." The track is truly about no thoughts, just vibes.
2. 'Tipsy'
A stark contrast from the aforementioned song, "Tipsy" takes on a darker tone and theme, highlighting an almost intoxicating-like infatuation and yandere tendencies. Chloe x Halle sing about being so in love with their partners that if they were ever double-crossed, they would retaliate back not just emotionally but physically. "I'll take you to the afterlife/ Boy, if you ain't actin' right," the lyrics read. The sisters' vocal performances add to the haunting nature of the song, and despite it, you can't help but sing along and somehow relate to their predicament.
3. 'Drop'
Originally released in 2016 as the duo's first single under Parkwood Entertainment, "Drop" was re-released as part of Chloe x Halle's debut studio album "The Kids Are Alright" in 2018. The track is the perfect definition of the duo's iconic sound, paving the way for their later songs' style. It portrays a lover as a song that gets stuck in your head, no matter how hard you try to turn it off. The same thing can be said for "Drop," as its infectious rhythm and instrumentals make their way and remain in your mind for the rest of the day.
4. '80/20'
Fresh off the "Ungodly Hour (Chrome Edition)" release, "80/20" is one of two additional tracks on the reissue. This song is the perfect mix of late '90s and early 2000s R&B with a dash of modern flare. The lyrics take on a sultry message about desiring another man despite already being in a relationship. And there's a little math in this equation with the 80/20 reference being about the relative satisfaction from your relationship ("I get that eighty from my baby, and it's good for me") but wanting a little more from a side piece ("But I want that twenty-twenty, thinking 'bout that twenty-twenty").
5. 'Ungodly Hour'
The title track off of "Ungodly Hour" is an ethereal bop thanks to the velvety vocals and soft instrumentals. For Apple Music, Chloe said the song is about a "situationship" where the connection is evident but the other person doesn't want to settle down. The track and album as a whole explore the topic of female sexuality and desire, something Chloe x Halle wanted to do so that other young women could see their own in a beautiful way and learn to accept themselves.
Now go out and listen to the rest of Chloe x Halle's discography. Trust me, it won't disappoint.
Reach the reporter at omunson@asu.edu and follow @munson_olivia on Twitter.
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Olivia Munson is a digital producer for The State Press. She previously served as editor of the publication's The Echo desk. In the past, she has worked for Arizona PBS, The Arizona Republic and The Entertainer! magazine.
